EV

The rumors surrounding the all-new Rimac C Two strained the imagination. It would have 2000 HP, they said. It would sprint from 0-60 MPH in less than two seconds, it would cross the finish line at a 1/4 mile drag strip in just 9 seconds and, given enough road, would hit the 300 km/h (186 MPH) mark less than 3 seconds later. It would, Rimac promised, be a world-beater- and, the kicker: it would be 100% electric.

Now, here it is. Meet the 1,914 HP, 1,696 TQ all-electric Rimac C Two. And, if I might comment on the general state of the supercar business, the only thing more impressive than its spec sheet- which includes a 258 top speed and a 400 mile driving range- is the fact that it’s actually nice to look at.

To that end, Rimac has promised that each C Two would pack the computing power “of 22 MacBook Pro” laptops and deliver level 4 autonomous driving features. Keeping the car out of the wrong hands falls to advanced facial recognition software that can read your mood and adjust the car’s settings- thing like throttle response and traction control interference, probably- based on how you’re getting on behind the wheel. Which, you know, will probably help you not die.

None of that matters, though, because you and I will probably never get to drive one. I mean, I might- but I’ve lucked into so much track time behind the wheel of high-strung exotic cars already that the universe is probably going to cut me off soon, you know? Check out the 12-picture Rimac photo gallery, below, then let us know how you feel about Rimac’s odds of taking on Tesla in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Rimac C Two | 2000 HP Electric Hyper Car

Make no mistake- Jaguar is really, really proud of the production version of its all-new, all electric Jaguar I-Pace crossover that launched last week. You can tell, because instead of the dozen or so press shots you usually get from a manufacturer when they launch a new car, Jaguar released nearly a hundred high-resolution images of the new 2019 Jaguar I-Pace.

Most interesting to Gas2 readers will probably be what Jaguar is calling “the technology photo pack”, which is full of pictures showing off the I-Pace’ charger, apps, and “skateboard” style battery pack/chassis deal. I also really dig the “open” hood, which uses the traditional Jaguar grille to create downforce and/or reduce drag, depending on how you interpret the diagrams. You can see those, below …

Jaguar I-Pace Technology Gallery

… Jaguar also put out a few different studio galleries. The first is a weird, Ikea-y sort of neon installation deal that may or may not be CGI. The second is more like what you’re used to seeing whenever a manufacturer launches a new model. That one’s a bit more high-res …

Jaguar I-Pace Neon Gallery

Jaguar I-Pace Studio Gallery (Higher-Res)

… next, Jaguar gives us a number of “location” photos of the new I-Pace. These put the crossover in its best light, I think. It looks great …

Jaguar I-Pace Location Gallery

… and, finally- lest you believe that the new electric Jaguar I-Pace is just a pretty face- Jaguar has even produced its own handy-dandy infographics to make lazy writers’ jobs that much easier. It’s greatly appreciated, guys- I’ve included all four!

Jaguar I-Pace Infographics

Current transportation systems are rife with problems that can lead to global warming, environmental degradation, health implications, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Indeed, traditional modes of transportation that depend on fossil fuels contributed to 27% of overall GHG emissions in 2017, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Sometimes the most important stories about green transportation and climate change aren’t as glamorous, sexy, or intriguing as those about fast cars or exclusive automotive auctions — but they may be more important than those that make the media headlines. So, for this edition of the “Gas2 Week in Review,” we’ll move from new data on transportation and climate change to stories about how a couple of companies are investing today in a vision of a zero-emissions future tomorrow.

A Primer on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

GHG emissions inventories identify and quantify a country’s primary anthropogenic sources, which is essential for addressing climate change. US GHG emissions have been tracked annually by source, economic sector, and GHG, going back to 1990. Each year the EPA has published a GHG draft report in February, to allow for public comment prior to publishing the final report by April 15.

According to the EPA Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, 1990-2016 (first available in February, 2018), GHGs absorb infrared radiation, thereby trapping heat and making the planet warmer. The most 29 important greenhouse gases directly emitted by humans include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and several other fluorine-containing halogenated substances. Although CO2, CH4, and N2O occur naturally in the atmosphere, human activities have changed their atmospheric concentrations. From the pre-industrial era (i.e. ending about 1750) to 2016, concentrations of these greenhouse gases have increased globally by 44, 163, and 22 %, respectively.

The 3 largest sources of transportation CO2 emissions in 2016 were passenger cars (42.2%), medium- and heavy-duty trucks (23.3%), and light-duty trucks, which include sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans (17.0 %). Total transportation CO2 emissions increased, in large part, due to demand for travel, population growth, economic growth, urban sprawl, and low fuel prices during the beginning of this period. Almost all of the energy consumed for transportation was supplied by petroleum-based products, with more than half being related to gasoline consumption in automobiles and other highway vehicles. Other fuel uses, especially diesel fuel for freight, accounted for the remainder.

Green Transportation Is a Complicated Necessity

As the EPA report cited above demonstrates, a transportation infrastructure based around fossil fuel power and individual vehicle ownership contributes to global warming, pollution, health problems, and energy insecurity. Green transportation options have the potential to make our lives easier, reduce congestion, eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels, and save the planet. They’re eco-friendly due to efficient and effective use of renewable energy resources. A low-carbon transportation initiative can be deployed for economic growth, societal well-being and development, and environmental preservation and management — all in a holistic manner.

Current models of green transportation are focused on innovation and improved environmental performance. To be efficient and fair, a transportation system must serve diverse demands. Green transportation presents various benefits and obstacles, depending on variables. For example:

A new study indicates that, no matter where you live, you are likely to support transportation taxes if you are younger, female, Hispanic, and identify as a Democrat.

Ideas behind a green transportation infrastructure often assumes that people will get around their communities using their own power — such as walking or biking — or by other more environmentally sensitive means, like trains or buses.

Daimler’s Newest Shareholder is Chair of Geely Motors

Replacing gas-powered autos with those that run on electricity will make a big difference in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide. Nowhere in the world is this shift to green transportation more evident than in China, a country which is struggling with overwhelming pollution and associated human health risks. China is a global leader in the rapidly growing market for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), which surpassed two million cars, trucks, and buses worldwide last year. China accounts for about 40% of the ZEV global market, with ZEV production skyrocketing over the past two years.

Enter Daimler AG, which announced back in November in Guangzhou that they intend to invest about $755 million as part of a push to manufacture plug-in electric vehicles and associated battery packs in China. Those investments are part of the company’s $11.8 billion global green transportation initiative.

Geely, one of the largest car companies in China, has been aggressively expanding its global reach. Its chairperson and the 209th wealthiest person in the world, Li Shufu, became the largest single stockholder of Daimler this week with an approximately $9 billion investment. That mean he holds a 9.69 percent stake in the German auto manufacturer. The purchase comes after an initial approach by Geely last November in which Greely asked Daimler to issue new shares so that it could buy a stake, according to China Daily. When Daimler declined, Li changed tactics and quietly accumulated shares himself.

“The competitors which technologically challenge the global car industry in the 21st century are not part of the automotive industry today. No current car industry player is likely to win this battle against the invaders from outside without friends,” Li acknowledged. “To achieve and assert technological leadership, one has to adapt a new way of thinking in terms of sharing and combining strength. My investment in Daimler reflects this vision.”

China is the largest auto market in the world, with more new vehicle sales per year than any other country, and the implied Geely: Daimler alliance comes at a time in which China has set goals to ban production and use of fossil fuel powered vehicles. Geely’s holdings include Volvo Cars and Geely Automobile with interests in British sports car maker Lotus, Proton Cars of Malaysia, London Taxi, and China’s largest car-sharing provider, Cao Cao.

“Li Shufu is a Chinese entrepreneur Daimler knows well and regards highly in terms of his competency and focus on future developments,” spokesman Joerg Howe said. “Daimler already has a strong footing in China. We have a very strong partner with our existing cooperation with BAIC Motor.”

China installed a record number of wind and solar energy projects in 2017 to reduce its serious pollution issues, with goals of 20% of its power to come from solar or wind by 2030. The country plans to invest around $560 billion by 2020, creating 13 million jobs in the process.

China, ZEVs, GHGs, and Green Transportation

The result of China’s shift to ZEVs — with Geely and Daimler’s influences — will have global consequences, including mitigating global CO2 levels and making green transportation and technology increasingly accessible around the world. They’re already having a potential impact on your life, affecting how vehicles are built and sold in the US — regardless of who’s in power — increasing choices for green transportation, and introducing EVs as increasingly mainstream — all of which can lessen GHGs.

Fiat’s 500e electric minicar thing first went on sale for $32,000 back in 2013. It was a lot of fun, and we’ve been super excited about it for a while. Even recently, in fact, when Susanna Schick drove one a year ago, and gushed over it. Thing is, even after 5 years, the 500e hasn’t followed in the footsteps of cars like the Nissan LEAF and Tesla Model S in improving its all-electric driving range. In fact, the Fiat 500e has actually gotten worse.

The folks at Kelley Blue Book are mighty impressed with the new 2018 Nissan LEAF. At the Chicago Auto Show this week, it gave the LEAF an award for being the least expensive car to own over a 5 year period … which is great. But, it begs the question: how did the folks at KBB decide a car that has only been available for 5 days has such a low cost of ownership?

Let’s dig into that a bit. The operative word in this instance is “projected.” Kelley Blue Book has taken out its crystal ball and “projected” how much it will cost to own a LEAF. Your mileage may vary. See dealer for details.

The calculus includes such factors as expected depreciation, fuel costs (electricity, in this case), finance charges, and insurance premiums, together with maintenance expenses, repair costs, and state and local fees. Every new car buyer should do the same thing before signing on the dotted line, of course. However, most don’t. They only want to know what their monthly payment will be and whether or not they can take that new car home today.

2018 Nissan LEAF is Worth Driving Home Today

The new LEAF has 40% greater range than the original and more appealing exterior styling. According to Electric Cars Report, it incorporates Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility suite, featuring technologies such as ProPILOT Assist, e-Pedal, Automatic Emergency Braking and more.

“Nissan Intelligent Mobility is about applying the latest technology to set a new benchmark for exciting and safe driving and the all-new Nissan LEAF delivers on that in every way,” said Brian Maragno, head of Nissan’s EV marketing and sales team. “In addition to the exhilarating drive, EVs are inherently less expensive to operate than gas-powered cars and the 2018 Nissan LEAF provides more range, content and technology at a lower MSRP than the previous generation, offering customers more value at a lower price.”

Even though the 2018 LEAF is priced $690 less than last year’s model at $29,990, it has 37% more horsepower and a lot more range- up to 225 miles, in fact. Nissan’s e-Pedal technology that makes one pedal driving a breeze, and automatic emergency braking. The LEAF comes in three trim levels, beginning with the S. The SV adds adaptive cruise control and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top of the line SL comes with additional features like Bose Premium audio system, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Intelligent Around View Monitor and a portable L1/L2 charging cord.

Two factors that help keep the cost of owning a LEAF low are that electricity costs less than gasoline and the reputation electric cars have for needing much fewer repairs and maintenance compared to their gas powered cousins. The 2018 Nissan LEAF may not be a Tesla Model 3, but it is a full featured automobile that starts under $30,000 and is available now, not next month, next quarter, or next year. For some- especially the good people at Kelley- it may the perfect car for joining the electric car revolution.

Like the automobile race held at the same track, the 24 hour race is a test of speed, skill, and- most of all- endurance. It is a tremendous test of reliability and durability, and the perfect place to display the progress Sarolea has made since that Isle of Man race in 2014.

As long as Sarolea doesn’t expect its riders to hop on and off multiple Manx 7s, Formula E-style, I think it’ll be fine. But that’s just me. What do you guys think? Does an electric stand a chance against the ICE bikes at LeMans, or is this a PR fluff piece to try to wrangle more investors? Let us know in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Sarolea Manx Electric Motorcycle

Founded by industry “favorite” Bob Lutz, electric truck-builder Via had big plans. Back in 2015, the company had plans to sell 50,000 new vehicles by 2018– which, I mean, just didn’t happen. As recently as August of last year, in fact, Via was still talking about putting an electric pick up on the road “within two years“. But, before you write Via off completely, consider the following: they just got a massive cash boost from Volvo’s parent company, Geely.

Geely seems to think it is, anyway. You can check out the official Geely/Via Motors press release, below, then let us know what you think of Lutz’ latest news (and Geely’s judgement) in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

The parties have agreed to co-develop a medium duty extended range electric truck, which incorporates VIA’s industry leading proprietary vehicle software and systems control technology, for launch in China and the Americas in 2019.

Mr. Nathan Yu Ning, Zhejiang Geely Holding Vice President of International Business and Executive Advisor to the Board said “Geely selected VIA Motors due to the company’s advanced commercial vehicle software and control systems technology, specifically developed to meet the demanding duty cycle and performance requirements of commercial vehicles”.

“I believe that range extended hybrid drive systems are a leading technology for the next 5-10 years and the co-developed truck will utilize proven technology such as a Volvo engine for the range extender. VIA Motors provides technology plus an engineering and management team that can support GCV to accelerate to be global leading commercial vehicle company and assist the introduction of GCV Trucks into North and Latin America through our newly formed joint venture,” continued Mr. Yu.

“VIA Motors is honored to partner with Geely Commercial Vehicles. This agreement allows VIA to execute our strategy with the launch of an expanded portfolio of advanced drive systems and vehicles,” commented Peter Guile, CEO of VIA Motors. “We are excited to be working with our new global partners to electrify the future of the world’s working vehicles,” he continued.

“Geely is the ideal strategic partner for VIA Motors, as the fastest growing global vehicle company, with a demonstrated commitment to the electrification of their portfolio of award winning vehicles.” commented Bob Lutz, Chairman of VIA Motors and former Vice-Chairman of GM. “The alliance between Geely and VIA Motors combines technology, access to their industry leading suppliers, and a mutual entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to accelerating the global adoption of extended range electric commercial vehicles.” further commented Mr.Lutz.

GM is pushing forward with plans to produce a fleet of self-driving electric cars that are profitable, as well as sustainable. Can it be done? There’s a lot of uncertainty in the industry at the moment. And, one of the biggest areas of uncertainty facing the manufacturers of autonomous cars isn’t related to technology. It’s related to liability. Now, GM is being forced to find some answers in a California court room.

A motorcyclist attempting to lane-split in heavy traffic crashed while coming alongside the self driving Chevy Bolt, causing “neck and shoulder pain” that have “forced” the motorcyclist to take disability leave from work while undergoing “lengthy treatment” for his injuries.

To GM’s credit, the official DMV report seems to take the Bolt’s side. The Bolt, apparently operating in its autonomous mode in heavy traffic, stopped a driver-requested lane change from the center lane to the left lane because a vehicle ahead decelerated and the gap was deemed too small to safely navigate. While the Bolt was trying to re-center itself in its initial lane, the report says, the motorcyclist “wobbled and fell over,” while trying to lane split. The damage to the Bolt was reported as, “(a) long scuff on passenger side of the vehicle,” according to the same DMV report.

So- was the motorcyclist thrown off by the Bolt’s correction? Is it a cynical cash grab from someone eyeballing GM’s deep pockets? It’s hard to say, especially as it’s still unclear whether the Chevy Bolt in question was one of the company’s “third-generation” autonomous cars that were described recently by GM Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt as “the world’s first mass-producible car designed to operate without a driver.”

One thing that is certain: there will be lots of people in the industry who will be watching this case closely. And, make no mistake, if it sets a precedent against GM, it’s pretty likely that a big part of the much-promised autonomous future might not come to pass, after all.

Despite having not launched a new electric or electrified vehicle in more than five years, it’s important to remember that Ford can be innovative. When it wants to be. After all, Ford invented the pony car when it introduced the Mustang more than 50 years ago and helped to create the modern sport utility vehicle when it put a passenger car body on a Ranger pickup chassis and called it the Explorer. Since then, though, Ford seems content to waft along, buoyed by the hefty profits derived from selling light duty pickup trucks to suburban cowboys.

The Ford announcement was viewed as a half-hearted attempt to keep investors happy while still cranking out fleets of F-150s and new Ranger pick up trucks. But the world of automobiles is not a placid playground where the profits go on forever. Entire nations are threatening to ban the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines in the not too distant future- and, despite a push to lower emissions and fuel economy standards in the US, those same countries are ratcheting up their requirements.

If you’re like me, you’re probably fascinated by weird, offbeat vehicles like the Twike (above). If you’re not familiar with it, the Twike is a lightweight, electric, pedal-assisted velomobile. That means you pedal it, like a bike, but there’s an electric motor in there to help you out- but it’s not cheap. Unless you’re in Sweden, that is, because Sweden’s version of the EPA just announced a tax rebate equal to 25% of the purchase price of an electric bicycle, tricycle, or velomo.

Yeah, that’s awesome.

Our good friend and longtime Gas 2 contributor/editor, Steve Hanley, recently covered Sweden’s new program over at our sister site, Cleantechnica. I’ve included his take- which was suspiciously Twike-free- below. Check it out, then let us know if you’d like to see the US introduce a similar plan to promote light EVs like the Twike, Renault Twizy, or the new Ford OjO in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Enjoy!

25% Off Electric Bicycles and Light EVs

Elon Musk likes to start at the top and work down. In Sweden, when it comes to EV incentives, the government is starting at the bottom and working its way up. According to Norwegian news source Elbil, it is now offering a rebate equal to 25% of the purchase price of an electric bicycle, tricycle, or quadricycle. The Swedish rebate program will not apply to self-balancing devices like Segways or hoverboards, but the article in Elbil suggests the Renault Twizy may be eligible. In some cases, an electric wheelchair or hand-operated bicycle may qualify for the incentive. The total amount of money available is limited to 350 million krona annually — about $12 million.

Any Swedish citizen who purchased a qualifying vehicle after September 20, 2017, is eligible. Payments are managed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and will begin after February 1 of next year. Unlike some countries where greed is a national pastime, Swedish authorities will monitor the market to make certain manufacturers don’t automatically mark up the price of their products to include the amount of the rebate. “Job-killing regulation” and “nanny-state socialism” at work, folks.

Sales of electric bicycles and similar vehicles are exploding in Scandinavia. Last year, about 67,000 electric bicycles were sold in Sweden and another 36,000 were sold in Norway. “Research shows that electric bikes replace cars,” says Karolina Skog, Sweden’s Minister of Environment. “Now there is a good selection of bicycles in place and the market has begun to evolve.”

She believes there will be more investment in infrastructure when more people begin using electric bicycles. Norway has already committed $1 billion to building new bike paths so people can commute to and from work safely and conveniently. A recent survey of Norwegian bicycle riders conducted by the Electric Vehicle Association finds that price is the main sticking point for people considering the purchase of an electric bicycle. Also important is more secure parking for bicycles in cities, where stolen bikes are a major problem.

The OjO electric scooter is one of the many possible solutions being presented to commuters these days. Intended to ride with commuters on trains and buses, the point of these vehicles is to get people across that “last mile” that separates their destination from public transit. At this year’s CES show, the OjO got a bit of a marketing boost. From Ford.

Ford OjO Electric Scooter

As far as EVs go, the new Ford OjO features an all-aluminum frame that can support up to 300 pounds of rider meat. In addition, its 500-watt electric motor provides enough power to handle grades up to 18 percent and can be recharged using a standard 110 outlet- which is great news for apartment-dwellers who usually have difficulty in finding an EV charging port.

Ford’s new OjO- which, it should be said, is the same as the old, non Ford-branded OjO- is available for order now for $2199 on the company’s website. A special edition of the bike will also be available, soon, at select Ford dealerships in the US and Europe. Which, I dunno- could be cool.

Check out Kia’s official CES press release for the new Kia Niro EV, below, then let us know what you think of Kia’s odds against Nissan and Tesla in the comments section at the bottom of the page. As for the pictures- you know the drill: click to enlarge.

BOUNDLESS FOR ALL | KIA NIRO EV PRESENTS VISION FOR FUTURE MOBILITY

Las Vegas – January 8, 2018 – Kia Motors today presents its future mobility vision at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Under its new ‘Boundless for all’ vision, Kia will bring a future in which opportunities for mobility and transportation are limitless. To broaden horizons with its mobility services, Kia is also demonstrating a range of new technologies as part of its new ‘ACE’ strategy to make its cars more Autonomous, Connected and Eco/Electric.

“‘Boundless for all’ is Kia’s future vision – where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the infinite value that future mobility will bring. This is Kia’s manifesto for its role as a mass mobility provider in the future. Consumers are bound today by the idea that a car is ‘just a vehicle’, but Kia is committed to providing a broader solution to mobility. ‘Boundless for all’ represents a future in which a vehicle can be so much more than the sum of its parts,” said Dr. Woong-chul Yang, Vice Chairman and Head of Kia R&D Center.

Kia’s ‘ACE’ strategy is based around three core elements, presenting Kia’s vision for future personal transportation:

Connected – By 2025, Kia will adopt connected car technologies across every vehicle segment, and aim to make every single model a connected car by 2030

Eco/Electric – Kia will introduce 16 new advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including a range of new hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, as well as an all-new fuel-cell electric vehicle in 2020

Alongside these technologies, Kia announced its plans to roll-out its ‘WiBLE’ car-sharing service – launched in Korea in 2017 – to new regions from 2018, starting with Europe.

At CES 2018, Kia is presenting a range of interactive exhibits which combine existing and future technologies. These demonstrate how vehicles could be optimized for enhanced connectivity as they become more autonomous.

Kia’s exhibits at CES 2018 hint at a future ‘Beyond Autonomous Driving’. Visitors can interact with Kia’s developing autonomous drive technologies through a VR simulator, while also experiencing a V2X diorama demonstrating how cars could connect with other vehicles and the urban environment.

The company plans to operate a large-scale test fleet for autonomous technology on public roads from 2019, paving the way for commercial production of the technology. Kia aims to commercialize Level 4 autonomous vehicles in smart cities from 2021 with a new Smart City pilot project.

“Kia’s connected cars will be both boundless and connected and offer a new kind of mobility experience. Virtual reality, self-driving cars, and ‘vehicle-to-everything’ connectivity were all once considered technologies of the distant future. As they rapidly become a reality, Kia is exploring how to deploy these new technologies for its customers. Our strategy and vision for future mobility is demonstrated by a range of interactive displays, showing what our customers can look forward to,” said Vice Chairman Yang.

16 new electrified vehicles by 2025

Kia will continue to expand its range of environmentally-friendly cars in the coming years, and plans to offer a total of 16 electrified vehicles by 2025, including a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2020.

“By 2025, we will offer a total of 16 advanced powertrain vehicles, with five new hybrids and plug-in hybrids, five new battery EVs, and an all-new mass market FCEV. Due to launch in 2020, this FCEV will spearhead Kia’s efforts to realize a zero-emission future for mobility,” said Vice Chairman Yang.

As part of this strategy, Kia is exhibiting the Kia Niro EV Concept at CES 2018. Combining the stylish design of a modern compact SUV with the high efficiency of an advanced battery-electric powertrain, the Kia Niro EV Concept represents the next step in the brand’s ongoing journey to electrification.

Created by Kia’s design studio in Korea, the Niro EV Concept is a fully-electric compact SUV. Its aerodynamically-efficient body allows air to slip over, around and beneath the vehicle with ease. The traditional grille – no longer required for engine cooling – is replaced by a smooth interactive display panel, combined with ultra-slim lamp technology in the overall front. In profile, the concept draws inspiration from the current Kia Niro, with a modish compact crossover silhouette, elevated body and wide C-pillar. The Niro EV Concept’s seamless rear aspect has clean and sharp trailing edges allowing air to flow more easily off the back of the car.

With a silent electric power train, and the anticipation that such a car would be driven most frequently on urban and suburban roads, the Kia Niro EV Concept boasts new technologies to enhance safety for pedestrians.

The concept’s new Active Pedestrian Warning System (APWS) features a combination of front view cameras, object recognition technology and front speakers. If the system detects a pedestrian or cyclist crossing in front of the car, the speakers sound an alert targeted specifically at that person, warning them of the car’s presence. APWS is matched by the Niro EV Concept’s new interactive lighting system, which offers users and pedestrians a highly-intuitive visual communication with vehicle.

Inside, the cabin has been designed with a pure, minimalist and digital appearance, creating greater user interaction with new technologies and features. With a wrap-around design to cocoon the driver and passengers, the dashboard’s horizontal layout has broad and smooth surfaces. The effect is an innate sense of space and calm in the cabin, enhanced by the soft shades of silver, grey and bronze covering every surface.

The Niro EV Concept is powered by a next-generation electric vehicle powertrain, using new production technologies earmarked for near-future EVs from Kia. Energy is provided by a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, paired with a powerful 150 kW electric motor. The Niro EV Concept suggests a driving range of 238 miles (383 kilometers), with zero tailpipe emissions.

Fisker may not be much for building cars- its last car, the Karma, was implied to be the worst car ever by Jalopnik– but the man knows how to draw a car. He can draw cars better than most, in fact- if not better than anyone. As evidence of his design talent, Fisker’s eponymous company has just released the car you see here upon an unwitting crowd at CES 2018. It’s called the EMotion, and it is gorgeous.

The electric, all-wheel drive Fisker EMotion offers a claimed estimated top speed of 200 KMH (161 MPH). The car also features a clever set of butterfly doors featuring flush handles that can be opened and closed with a smartphone app, likely ticking off more than a few CES journosaur boxes in the process.

Pricing for the Fisker EMotion EV starts at $129,000, but I think it’s safe to say that the car shown in the gallery, above, would probably be much pricier. The company is asking for $2000 pre-delivery deposits on its website (you guys might know how I feel about those, already) with deliveries set to begin at the end of 2019. Or, you know, just a few weeks before Elio deliveries start.

On December 27, the Shenzhen municipal transport commission announced it had completed the transition of its bus fleet to 100% electric buses. (Source: Han Ximin on EyeShenzhen)

The announcement that it had 16,359 electric buses will not come as a surprise to IM readers, as it was reported earlier in 2017 that the city would reach this target ahead of schedule. Nonetheless, it’s a shocking achievement. For context, imagine the bus fleets of NYC, Los Angeles County, New Jersey Transit, suburban Chicago, and Toronto all went electric — that still wouldn’t be as many buses as Shenzhen electrified.

The mega-city of Shenzhen is home to over 12 million people and it is viewed as a Silicon Valley of China, hosting many big internet companies, having a thriving startup scene, and hosting the headquarters of a electric vehicle manufacture you may know from this site — BYD.

This bus transition has been years in the making because in 2009 Shenzhen was chosen to be one of thirteen cities to be in a pilot program of new energy vehicles.

Shenzhen has been consistently pushing for electrification of its bus and taxi fleet. In 2017, Shenzhen provided subsidies for electric buses and charging facilities totaling 3.3 billion RMB ($490 million).

Shenzhen is a Huge, Global City

On the 9th of December, Bloomberg reported on the previous reports that Shenzhen would electrify its bus fleet by comparing Shenzhen’s 16,359 electric buses with American bus fleets, it came to this startling finding that Shenzhen has more electric buses than the 5 largest North American bus fleets combined (see chart, above). Although this might not shock those looking at America’s infrastructure priorities and China’s size and government priorities, that’s still a staggering difference in scale.

With a population of over 12 million, Shenzhen is also bigger than many countries.

Massive fleet means massive charging infrastructure. The investment into electric buses had to be paired with adequate infrastructure. Shenzhen has 510 bus charging stations that have a combined 8,000 charging points, so it can charge just under half the fleet at once.

At the Qinghu Bus Terminal, with more than 30 charging poles, the assistant manager gave a insight into its capacity. “A bus can be fully charged within two hours and the charging poles can serve 300 buses a day,” explained Guan Anguang, assistant manager of the terminal.

Big Environmental Benefits

It was reported that electric buses can save 72.9% more energy than the current diesel buses, which means that the Shenzhen bus fleet will save an estimated 345,000 tons of fuel per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.35 million tons per year. The electric taxi fleet will save an estimated 116,000 tons of fuel per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 453,913 tons per year.

Those are tremendous numbers. It should be remembered, though, that while Shenzhen’s electric bus fleet is huge, it is only part of a Chinese-wide effort to electrify buses. In 2016, more than 115,000 electric buses were sold in China. While Shenzhen is the first big city to get international attention, in 2018–2020, we are going to be seeing many other cities (in China) follow Shenzhen’s lead.

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The content produced by this site is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions and comments published on this site may not be sanctioned by, and do not necessarily represent the views of Sustainable Enterprises Media, Inc., its owners, sponsors, affiliates, or subsidiaries.

The content produced by this site is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions and comments published on this site may not be sanctioned by, and do not necessarily represent the views of Sustainable Enterprises Media, Inc., its owners, sponsors, affiliates, or subsidiaries.